ROSES & THORNS

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I took a deep breath. Then another one. And another one.

"Let me rephrase my question, Mr. Thorne. Keeping in mind your... ah... reputation. What intentions do you have for my daughter, Isabelle." 

My dads words echoed like a song that gets stuck inside your head. 

I shook my head, bracing myself for what was to come and taking another deep breath after pacing the garden for the last five minutes, I went back to the dining room to a whining Olivia.

"What do you mean, daddy? I thought you meant me?" She whined.

"I meant Isabelle, dear." My dad confirmed it for her, and Josephine glared at him.

"Isabelle? Why her? She's always looking for trouble. At least Olivia doesn't kiss random strangers in front of the media just for attention." She exclaimed.

Ha! Liar.

"Enough. I don't want to hear another word." He shut Josephine up and then looked up at me.

"Ah! Isabelle, dear, are you feeling better now?" He asked me concerned.

"Yes. Very." I told him and sat down on my seat, not sparing anyone else a glance, and before my dad could say anything, Mr. Baker walked in with servants behind him carrying dessert. 

I have never been happier to see him... or dessert for that matter.

We ate in silence once again, while I enjoyed it very much, the dessert of course. 

Dipping my spoon into the ice cream that was now melting, I licked it thoroughly, like I always did and glanced sideways, stopping mid way.

Adam Thorne just witnessed me licking my spoon. 

I face palmed myself in my head and looked away suddenly, when he did too.

"You haven't answered my question." My dad said once again after we were done with dessert, looking straight at Adam.

"The best." He answered simply, looking my father in the eye. Not many people can look him in the eye and I have to say, I'm impressed. 

Well done Thorne.

Wait, did he just say the best? As in the best intentions? For me? 

My heart skipped a beat and I glanced at him, who was still looking my father dead in the eye.

"I don't believe a word of the nonsense you just said." Arthur snapped at him, and I was surprised to see Lance so quiet and so... calm? 

Something is definitely wrong.

"You have my word. I have the best intentions for your daughter, Isabelle." The way he said my name sent a shiver down my spine. 

"And I don't back out of my word. You know that very well." He said more firmly this time and I guessed my dad believed him although Arthur and Tristan were still a bit suspicious. 

Does he keep his promises? He must have a good reputation for keeping his promises if dad looks calmer than before.

"Very well.

 I trust my daughter knows what she is doing." My dad looked at me thoughtfully and gave me a small smile that reached his eyes and I couldn't help but smile back.

What am I doing? Why did I not speak up? I  was all a ruse!

"If I may be excused, I need to speak to Adam... alone." I rose from my seat and looked at my father expectantly.